Football
McLeran, Mac
Mac McLeran
- Title:
- Linebackers, Defensive Run Game Coordinator
- Email:
- sam.mcleran@siu.edu
Mac McLeran joined Coach Hill's staff at SIU as the linebackers coach in 2022, and also serves as the team's defensive run game coordinator. Since that time, he has guided the development of All-American linebacker Ben Bogle, as well as two-time all-conference linebacker Branson Combs, plus MVFC All-Newcomer linebackers Chris Harris and Colin Bohanek.
In 2024, Bogle became the first Saluki linebacker to earn All-America status since 2009. He led the league in tackles for loss (16.5) and added 87 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two interceptions. Bogle was a finalist for the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award, which goes to the top defensive player in the FCS. He finished 20th in the voting.
In 2023, McLeran’s linebacker corps was instrumental in helping the Salukis achieve a top 10 ranking in the FCS in numerous statistical categories — Scoring Defense (4th/16.2 points per game), Total Defense (4th/282.3 yards per game), sacks (6th/3.00 sacks per game), rushing defense (5th/94.2 yards per game), pass efficiency defense (7th/111.73), turnovers gained (7th/25 turnovers) and 4th down defense (8th/0.333 conversion rate).
During McLeran's tenure at SIU, the Salukis have advanced to the Sweet 16 of the FCS Playoffs in 2023 and posted marquee wins over Big Ten Northwestern (2022) and Northern Illinois (2023).Â
An all-state offensive lineman from North Liberty, Iowa, McLeran played three seasons (2013-15) at South Dakota before suffering a career-ending injury. After graduation, he worked as offensive line coach at Iowa City West High School through 2020. In 2021, McLeran joined the collegiate ranks as tight ends coach at Northern Iowa.
McLeran and his wife, Sydney, have a son, Brooks, who was born in 2023.
In 2024, Bogle became the first Saluki linebacker to earn All-America status since 2009. He led the league in tackles for loss (16.5) and added 87 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two interceptions. Bogle was a finalist for the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award, which goes to the top defensive player in the FCS. He finished 20th in the voting.
In 2023, McLeran’s linebacker corps was instrumental in helping the Salukis achieve a top 10 ranking in the FCS in numerous statistical categories — Scoring Defense (4th/16.2 points per game), Total Defense (4th/282.3 yards per game), sacks (6th/3.00 sacks per game), rushing defense (5th/94.2 yards per game), pass efficiency defense (7th/111.73), turnovers gained (7th/25 turnovers) and 4th down defense (8th/0.333 conversion rate).
During McLeran's tenure at SIU, the Salukis have advanced to the Sweet 16 of the FCS Playoffs in 2023 and posted marquee wins over Big Ten Northwestern (2022) and Northern Illinois (2023).Â
An all-state offensive lineman from North Liberty, Iowa, McLeran played three seasons (2013-15) at South Dakota before suffering a career-ending injury. After graduation, he worked as offensive line coach at Iowa City West High School through 2020. In 2021, McLeran joined the collegiate ranks as tight ends coach at Northern Iowa.
McLeran and his wife, Sydney, have a son, Brooks, who was born in 2023.
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